Even as demand for both land and offshore rigs climbs, the number of newly built and rebuilt units could not keep up with those being retired. This trend, along with stable oil prices, could send the utilization rate over 70% next year.

The first step that operators must take when designing the topsides that will go on a floating production unit (FPU) is to establish its functional requirements, such as process, export, drilling and power abilities.

Supplement

A High-Pressure Drill Pipe Riser product for Intervention Systems (DPRIS ), designed and qualified for the Usan Project in Nigeria, was manufactured in 2009, extensively tested and qualified prior to delivery the same year.